When most people hear the words ‘air quality,’ they typically associate it with outdoor air quality and pollution, but the air inside of your home can also get polluted as well. As we make our way into the winter season and are spending more time indoors, the quality of the air inside of your home should be something you’re worried about just as much as the air you breathe outside. With some basic knowledge and tips, you’ll easily be able to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Indoor air pollutants can range from the contaminants your animals bring indoors to potential gas leaks. One of the most common indoor air pollutants is carbon monoxide, which results when natural gas escapes from your home without being burned off. Older homes also see indoor air pollutants such as asbestos, lead, mold, and mildew.
Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
1. Change Your HVAC Filter – As air cycles through your HVAC system, the air filter catches the dirt and debris cycling through the system to be cleaned before pushing it out into your home. After a while, these filters get clogged and stop doing their job, causing more pollutants to enter your home and your system to run less efficiently.
2. Clean Your Air Ducts – Your air ducts are responsible for distributing air throughout your home and over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in them. Before each season, make sure to clean out your air ducts to prevent contaminants from blowing into your home.
3. Control Humidity Levels – High humidity levels create excess moisture in the home, which is ideal for mold and mildew growth. Not only does this affect your indoor air quality, but mold and mildew can also trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma. When it’s hot and humid out, utilize a dehumidifer and when it’s cold, keep your humidifier levels around 50%.
4. Add Indoor Plants to Your Space – Indoor plants are a great way to naturally filter and improve the air in your home. The best plants you can incorporate into your space are ferns, succulents, and spider plants.
